Photo: Self-portrait, courtesy of Danny Alexander.
BY DANNY ALEXANDER
Tell us a little about yourself. Family? Where do you live and work?
My name is Danny Alexander, and I live in New Albany, with my wife Lydia and our three dogs: Penny, Melody, and Franky. I took a bit of a break from professional photography for a few years but am currently getting back into the swing of things. I also work for a veterinary supply company in the Midwest as a business intelligence analyst.
What got you interested in birds and birding?
Birding is a somewhat new hobby, sparked during the pandemic while taking walks with my wife at our local park. The humble American Coot caught my attention and got me curious to learn more. Pair that with playing Wingspan at home, and before long I was heading out to learn and photograph as much as I could.
What’s your favorite birding destination, either in Indiana or outside the state?
Locally, the Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville is one of my favorite places due to the variety of birds and its unique environment. It’s a somewhat difficult place to photograph, though, just because of the geography, so I’ve had a bit better luck at Crescent Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky, and Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area.
Do you ever switch between binoculars and your camera, or does one always win out?
I constantly switch between binoculars and a camera. I carry both when I go birding. I use the binoculars to find the bird, then switch to my camera to follow it and try to capture photos. And if there’s no photo to be had, I just stick with the binoculars to identify and enjoy the moment.
What bird do you feel like people unfairly overlook?
I think the Mourning Dove is somewhat underappreciated. There’s something about the contrast between their goofy strut on the ground and then seeing them take off and fly so gracefully and so fast. It’s a bit absurd, and I think it’s wonderful.
Follow @a.birdphotographer on Instagram to see Danny Alexander’s striking bird photography.
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